The designer of the new health centre at Yunesit’in (Stone Indian Band) said winning a Wood Works BC 2014 Wood Design Award early this month was exciting.
David Nairne and Associates Ltd. architect Dave Kitazaki who designed the building said the Institutional Wood Design award is a boon for the entire Chilcotin.
“I’m happy for the clients because the design was based on their tradition. All the chiefs and the community recognized that and winning the award is good for them and all of the Tsilhqo’tin in and around there.”
When he worked with community members on the design, they were clear about what they wanted, Kitazaki said.
Wood WORKS! is a national industry-led initiative of the Canadian Wood Council, with a goal to support innovation and provide leadership on the use of wood and wood products. Wood WORKS! BC provides education, training and technical expertise to building and design professionals involved with non-residential construction projects throughout B.C. The annual Wood Design Awards evening recognizes leadership and innovation in wood use, while being an opportunity to publicly honour and encourage continued excellence in the building and design community.
There were 113 nominations in 12 categories for the 2014 awards from all over the province, as well as some national and international project submissions, including projects in Qingdao, China and the Yukon Territory. All projects showcase distinctive and unique qualities of wood such as strength, beauty, versatility, and cost-effectiveness.
The award ceremony, held in Vancouver, included a 10-year retrospective video journey which gave those who attended a glimpse of how wood design and building innovation has advanced over the past decade.
Wood Champion award winners from the past 10 years credited the awards program for pushing innovation in design and building with wood and encouraging new types and sizes of buildings, beautiful aesthetics, increased structural performance and scale, and environmentally responsible design.
The building at Yunesit’in was completed in 2011 and was constructed out of Douglas Fir.
In its praise the jury said the building has beautiful and simple form and everything is well thought through.
“This is a contemporary building that recognizes its roots,” the jury commented.